Steakhouse owes workers almost $115,000 in back wages
The Department of Labor said it would crack down on labor violations in restaurants this year, and it seems as though it is already following through on its promise. After being investigated by the DOL, Hana Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar owes 135 employees $114,978 in back wages for their time and attendance.
According to a release, the restaurant violated overtime and minimum wage payroll laws. It also failed to keep accurate employee tracking records. Servers and chefs at the business in New Llano, La., were paid a set amount regardless of their hours worked.
The Fair Labor Standards Act requires nonexempt employees to receive minimum wage and overtime pay at all times. Because the Hana workers put in 50 to 55 hours at the restaurant per week without overtime pay, their equivalent hourly wages fell below the federal limit of $7.25.
Following the DOL's investigation, the business agreed to fully repay its employees for their time and attendance. New workplace practices have also been put into effect to ensure continued compliance with the FLSA.
"The restaurant industry employs some of our country's lowest-paid workers, who are vulnerable to disparate treatment and labor violations," said Cynthia Watson, Southwest administrator for the Wage and Hour Division. "This case demonstrates our commitment to protecting workers."
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